On our second day, we arose bright and early to seize the day. The snow was beginning to melt by now, so most of the city was back on the go. So, we grabbed a bagel for breakfast and headed to St Patrick’s Cathedral.
“All non-emergency vehicles must be off all NYC roads by 5 pm until further notice.” Looking around the practically deserted Met, it was clear to see the automated emergency alert caused by Storm Jonah had sent a panic around the building.
Located just 10 miles north-west of Leeds City Centre lies Otley Chevin. However, when we visited in autumn, it felt like a million miles away. The forest boasted a warming palate of orange, yellows and browns. And, just like when Dorothy first entered Oz, the forest seemed to transport us from black and white into technicolour.
Roseberry Topping watches over Teesside like a big friendly giant. For those, like me, who grow up in the area, its crooked peak signifies childhood days in the country. And, when we return home, no matter how long we’ve been away, its distinctive silhouette on the horizon acts likes a familiar face welcoming us home.
As far as European capitals go, I found Berlin to be one of the most affordable places I’ve been to. However, if you’re keen to keep your expenses to a minimum, here’s how to do Berlin on a budget.
I really wasn’t planning to write a whole blog post about eating out in Kotor. But, when I started writing my main Montenegro story I realised we’d been treated to loads of great food. So much so, I decided to do this stand alone piece. So, without any further ado, let me introduce my recommended eats in Kotor.
I’d been to Spain a lot when I was younger. Mainly on those package holidays most people I know did in the nineties. And while I’d always enjoyed my time there, in recent years I’d written off large swathes of the country, which I thought were overly-resorty and, well, full of English tourists. However, I’ve recently been lucky enough to see a different side of this magical Mediterranean country.
I have a confession. I’d never really heard of Montenegro until a few years ago. The passing mention of the former Yugoslavian country on Eurovision each year was perhaps as far as my awareness stretched. But, my God! I had no idea what I’d been missing.
Saltburn sits quite prettily between the rugged and imposing beauty of Huntcliff to the South and the sprawling industrial landscape of Teesside to the north. On the day we went the wind coming in off the north sea was biting and the waves were raging. The perfect weather to blow any festive cobwebs away.
Arriving in Antwerp, I was instantly struck by the clash of worlds that exists in the city. In the main square, tourists can find the quaint chocolate-box vision of Belgium – synonymous with places like Brussels and Bruges. Over at the city’s port they can get an insight into the importance of Antwerp as a trading power. Meanwhile the buzz around The Zuit neighbourhood nods to Antwerp’s trendy, design-led future.